Troll and I (2017)

Set deep within the untouched expanses of the Nordic wilderness, Troll and I follows the harrowing story of a teenage boy named Otto, who must flee his village when a group of ruthless hunters devastates his home in pursuit of a legendary creature rumored to inhabit the forest. As Otto runs for his life, he unexpectedly discovers the very creature the hunters are hunting and forms a fragile but essential alliance with it. This encounter marks the beginning of a dangerous and compelling adventure that intertwines the fates of Otto and the Troll.

Immersive Mythical Journey

Players are invited to explore the rich and expansive Nordic forest alongside Otto and the Troll, two beings marginalized and pursued by external threats. The narrative-driven experience emphasizes survival, trust, and collaboration as the pair navigate a landscape filled with hidden dangers, wild creatures, and hostile hunters. Each area of the forest presents unique challenges, requiring players to adapt their strategies and leverage the distinctive abilities of both characters to advance.

Character Dynamics and Cooperative Play

Troll and I offers seamless character switching, allowing players to alternate control between Otto and the Troll as the situation demands. Otto’s agility and speed provide precision and tactical options for evasion and quick strikes, while the Troll’s immense strength enables powerful attacks and environmental manipulation. This interplay of contrasting abilities is central to overcoming obstacles and enemies throughout the journey.

The game also features local cooperative split-screen multiplayer, enabling two players to navigate the story together. Cooperation enhances both gameplay strategy and the narrative experience, as players coordinate attacks, solve environmental puzzles, and manage combat scenarios using the unique skills of both characters.

Combat and Strategy

Combat in Troll and I is multifaceted, allowing players to tailor their approach to each encounter. When controlling the Troll, players can unleash devastating physical attacks, such as stomps and powerful punches, to neutralize hunters and other threats. Otto, in contrast, specializes in swift, precise attacks and rapid movement, making him ideal for ambushes, quick strikes, and maneuvering through dangerous terrain. Success requires careful observation, timing, and the ability to combine both characters’ abilities effectively.

Resource Gathering and Crafting

The forest environment is not only a battleground but also a source of essential materials. Players can collect resources to craft weapons and tools necessary for survival. Whether constructing makeshift weapons for Otto or utilizing environmental elements to enhance the Troll’s combat effectiveness, crafting plays a critical role in progression. This system encourages exploration and careful management of available resources to ensure readiness for unpredictable encounters.

Exploration and Environmental Interaction

The Nordic wilderness is alive with detail and challenge. Players must navigate dense forests, rocky terrain, and hidden pathways while avoiding or confronting hunters and other dangers. Environmental interaction is key: both Otto and the Troll can use the surroundings strategically, from climbing and swinging to breaking obstacles, creating dynamic opportunities for problem-solving and tactical engagement. Each area requires a thoughtful combination of stealth, combat, and clever navigation.

Teamwork as a Survival Mechanism

Survival in Troll and I is predicated on collaboration and synergy. Otto and the Troll are stronger together, and players must exploit each character’s strengths to overcome increasingly complex challenges. The narrative reinforces the bond between the boy and the creature, emphasizing cooperation, mutual protection, and the ability to adapt to an unpredictable world. The story-driven approach ensures that gameplay decisions resonate within the unfolding adventure, blending character development with survival mechanics seamlessly.

Conclusion

Troll and I presents a comprehensive experience of survival, strategy, and storytelling in a rich Nordic setting. From tactical combat to resource management, cooperative gameplay, and immersive exploration, the game offers a balanced combination of action, adventure, and narrative depth. Players must navigate treacherous terrain, outwit relentless hunters, and cultivate a symbiotic relationship between Otto and the Troll to ultimately survive and find a path home through the wild, mystical forest.

Not Recommended. Despite its promising premise of a mythical adventure, Troll and I fails to deliver an engaging experience. The game struggles with clunky mechanics, especially in combat and character switching. The narrative, while intriguing, quickly loses its charm due to repetitive gameplay and awkward controls. The graphics feel dated, and the split-screen co-op mode doesn’t do much to elevate the overall experience.

If you're looking for a fresh, polished action-adventure, there are better options out there. While the idea of teaming up with a troll sounds fun, Troll and I doesn't quite live up to its potential. Skip it unless you're a die-hard fan of the genre and are okay with a rough experience.